2001 Balloon Life Calendar of Events
Have a balloon event you would like to list in the Balloon Life calendar? It's free, just e-mail the details to tom@balloonlife.com
January
19-20 Mesilla Valley, New Mexico
Mesilla Valley Balloon Rally. 75 balloons. Contact Janette Stone, 5109 Hacienda, Las Cruces, NM 88011, phone 505-382-5465, email: stonej@zianet.com
26-27 Durango, Colorado
SnowDown Balloon Rally, Invitational, 25 balloons. Contact Beth LaShell, 147 LaPlata View Dr, Durango, CO 81301, phone 970-385-4136, email: blashell@compuserve.com
February
1-3 Hudson, Wisconsin
13th annual Hudson Hot Air Affair balloon rally and winter festival. 50 balloons. Hudson Hot Air Affair, PO Box 744, Hudson, WI 54016. Phone 800-657-6775, e-mail hotair@pressenter.com, Internet: www.hudsonhotairaffair.com
7-8 Statesville, North Carolina
FireFly Balloons 29th Annual Seminar for Continued Airworthiness. Attendance limited to 35 participants. Contact Linda at FireFly Balloons, 810 Salisbury Rd, Statesville, NC 28677 or call 704-878-9501, email: info@fireflyballoons.net
8-11 Los Angeles, California
Hot Air Balloon Safety Seminar at Sea III. Relax aboard Carnval Crusie Line's Fun Ship "Fantasy" departing from Los Angeles. Back to Basics and Enrichment conducted by Dave & Kim Lynch. Contact Bonnie Crosby, Cruise Holidays, 4350 E Sunset Rd #101, Henderson, NV 89014 or call 800-760-7447 or Lewin M. Williams, Sr, email: lewin_williams@msn.com
9 St. Louis, Missouri
Gateway Aerostatic Association Safety Seminar. Contact Mike Wadley 314-515-3505, email: mwadley@gaa.cc, Internet: www.gaa.cc
9-10 Rio Rancho, New Mexico
Friends and Lovers Rally, Invitational 135+ balloons. Contact Barbara Fricke, 1209 Florida St SE, Albuquerque, NM 87110, Phone 505-265-2865, email: bfricke@unm.edu
9 Shreveport, Louisiana
NLBA Safety Seminar, 2002 special subject safety seminar. Contact Pat Harwell, 543 Dummoreland Dr, Shreveport, LA 7106, 318-805-8343, email: ameriesc@bellsouth.net
22-24 Shiprock, New Mexico
Shiprock Balloon Rally. Contact Mike Hesse 505-598-0887.
22-24 Chama, New Mexico
Chama Snowmobile/Balloon Rally. 28 balloons invitational. Contact Robin Busick 505-883-5874.
23-24 Puyallup, Washington
Safety Seminar. Back to Basics and Enrichment. Contact: Mandy Johnson email: kindaducky@aol.com
March
1-3 Winthrop, Washington
BalloonFest 2002. Fun flying in the snow. One of the largest cross-country ski areas in the country. Contact Vern Herrst in Winthrop WA at 509-996-3210.
2 Colorado Springs, Colorado
Colorado LTA Safety Seminar 2002. One BFA approved safety seminar. Contact Barb Hann, 1664 Laurel Ln, Parker, CO 80138, Phone 303-841-4266
9 West Windsor, New Jersey
Great Eastern Balloon Association Safety Seminar. Mercer County College Contact Al Dashevsky at 732-521-4441 or email: neonwind@balloonist.com
9 Des Moines, Iowa
Iowa Balloonists Association Safety Seminar. Four Points Sheraton, 1810 Army Post Rd, Des Moines, IA. Contact Brian Seymor 515-961-0364, email: ifd300@aol.com
16-22 Alentejo, Portugal
Portuguese Ballooning Club presents 6th Annual Transcrossing of Portugal in stages. Contact Mr. Paulo Caldeira or Ms. Claudia Pimentel, phone: +351 33 5074530, Fax: +351 22 5074539, email: mail@realizar.com, Internet: www.realizar.com
20-24 Wairarapa, New Zealand
Genesis International Balloon Fiesta 2002. Special shapes, Powerco Night Glow, competition. Contact Anne-Louise Wirth, Avenues Event Management, PO Boc 10-612, Level 1, 108 The Terrace, Wellington, New Zealand. email: susan@avenues.co.nz, Internet: www.times-age.co.nz/balloons
April
3-7 Hamilton, New Zealand
Balloons over Waikato Festival 2002. New Zealand's premier ballooning event. Excellent flying conditions, high quality propane, based at central city park and lake, spectacular flying over beautiful surrounding farmland, enthusiastic and hospitable local community, competitions include major key grab prize. See Balloon Life June 2000. Contact Linda Kelly, Event Manager, Balloons over Waikato Charitable Trust, PO Box 66 Hamilton, New Zealand. PH +64 78396677 FAX +64 7826 7736 Email: info@balloonsoverwaikato.co.nz Website: www.balloonsoverwaikato.co.nz
5-7 Atlanta, Georgia
Canceled - 66th Annual Atlanta Dogwood Festival. 35 balloons in downtown Atlanta's Piedmont Park. Great demographics for commercial balloons. Media tether, glow, flights. Contact Bob Tettman, AdVentures Aloft, POB 464246, Lawrenceville, GA 30042. 770-963-0149, adventuresaloft@earthlink.net
13-14 Apple Valley, California
Southern California Balloon Association Safety Seminar. April 13 - 14,
2002, held in Apple Valley, California. Speaker will be Andy Baird from
Cameron Balloons. Information: contact Dennis Stafford, President, S.C.B.A.,
888-836-7051
19-21 Miami, Florida
19th Great Sunrise Balloon Race. Contact Rick Neubaur, 372 Colorado Blvd, Denver, CO 80206, 303-333-7474.
26-27 Louisville, Kentucky
Kentucky Derby Festival Great Balloon Glow 9 pm - Kentucky State Fairgrounds Louisville, KY 50 balloons www.kdf.org/events/eventviewer.asp?id=131
4/27/02 Kentucky Derby Festival Great Balloon Race 7 am - Kentucky State Fairgrounds Louisville, KY 50+ balloons, traditional hare and hound / dual target www.kdf.org/events/eventviewer.asp?id=128
26-28 Elephant Butte, New Mexico
Elephant Butte Balloon Regatta. 70 balloons. Contact Elephant Butte CofC, POB 1355, Elephant Butte, NM 87935. 877-744-4900.
27-May 1 Llanes-Asturias, Spain
XIII Travesia Pico de Europa. Contact: Miquel Mesallera email: miquel@balotour.com
May
3-5 Chipley, Florida
1st Annual Northwest Florida Balloon Festival, Event information is available at www.washcomall.com or writting Washington County CoC, PO Box 457, Chipley, FL 32428. Internet www.washcomall.com
3-5 Live Oak, Florida
7th Spirit of the Suwannee Balloon Classic. 20 balloons, $3,000 prize money, motel, parties, propane, BFA sanctioned, Private Entry $50, commercial Entry $800. Contact Rob or Jetta Schantz, PO Box 51591, Jacksonvile Beach, Florida 32240, 904-247-1241, fax 904-246-5646, e-mail balloonmeister@juno.com
10-12 Walla Walla, Washington
28th Walla Walla Balloon Stampede. Contact the Walla Walla Area Chamber of Commerce, PO Box 644, Walla Walla, WA 99362, 509-525-0850.
10-12 Baltimore, Maryland
Maryland Preakness Celebration. 25 balloons. Contact Dan Sherrill, POB 1, Manchaca, TX 78652, 512-784-5681, e-mail: dsherrill3@austin.rr.com
16-20 Debrecen, Hungary
23rd Hungarian National Championship and 2nd MOL Cup Debrecen Hot Air
Balloon International Compettition and AirShow. The entry closing date is
10th March 2002. Zoltán PÁLHEGYI, Event Director Phone: +36
20 9218 659 (English, Hungarian) e-mail: phz@freemail.hu
18-19 Madras, Oregon
8th Collage of Culture celebrates cultural diversity. 25 balloons, light hearted flying. Contact Derek Hancock 503-638-3254, e-mail: derekhancock@juno.com
24-26 Farmington, New Mexico
Farmington Balloon Festival. 40 balloons. Contact Debbie Dusenbery, Convention & Visitor's Bureau, 3041 E Main Farmington, NM 87402, 505-326-7602
24-27 Anderson, South Carolina
21th Annual Pontiac's Freedom Weekend Aloft. 100 balloons. Contact FWA, Keri Hall, Event Director, 1990 Augusta St, Suite 202, Greenville, SC 29605, (864) 232-3700, or fax (864) 271-9339. email: fwastaff@aol.com Internet: www.freedomwkend.org
25-27 El Paso, Texas
17th Annual KLAQ El Paso International Balloon Festival. 60 balloons plus special shapes. Includes balloon glow, and 15th Friendship International flight from Juarez, Mexico to El Paso. Contact Joni Superville at 915-544-8864, email: joniklaq@aol.com
25-27 Decatur, Alabama
25th annual Alabama Jubilee Hot-air Balloon Classic. 60 balloons includes balloon glow, continuous stage entertainment, arts & crafts show, antique engine & tractor show, seafood festival, and all totally free to the public. Contact: Debra Talley, Special Events Director - Decatur/Morgan County Convention & Visitors Bureau 1-800-524-6181, e-mail: dtalley@decaturcvb.org or www.decaturcvb.org
24-Jun 2 Zagreb & Motovun, Croatia
Croatia 2002 Balloon Rally organized by the Balloon Klub of Zagreb. Event based in two centers, first three days in Zagreb, the historic and beautiful capital of Croatia. Second center, Istria is a beautiful area of Croatia situated on the Adriatic Coast. For more information contact Tom via email: balon-zg@zg.hinet.hr
30-Jun 1 Helen, Georgia
29th Annual Helen-to-the-Atlantic Balloon Race. Race to the Atlantic plus Fiesta and gas balloon flying in Helen, Georgia. Contact Head Balloons, PO Box 28, Helen, GA 30545. 706-865-3874. Internet: home.att.net/~helenballoon/
30-Jun 2 Grants Pass, Oregon
Sixth Annual Wild Rogue Balloon Festival. 15 Balloons. Contact GP Visitor Center, 1720A Redwood Ave. PMB 46, Grants Pass, Oregon 97527. 541 660-0017, e-mail: rogue@is-plus.net
June
1-2 Ramona, California
Ramona Air Fair 2002 Fly-In, Ramona Airport, Ramona, CA (San Diego County).This Benefit supports families of Aerial Fire Fighters killed in the line of duty. All aircraft welcome. Activities include a Swing Band Benefit Dance on Friday, May 31, 6pm to 11pm. Fly-in on Saturday and Sunday June 1&2. Aerial Fire Fighting demonstrations, Hot Air Balloon Flights and Races, Static Displays, Display of Early Day Gas Engine and Tractors, Food and Gift Vendors. Something for everyone!. Contact Richard Selinger, Ramona Airport Manager at 760-788-6174 or Aleta Pharris, ampharris@compuserve.com
7-9 Minden, Nevada
3rd annual Carson Valley Days Hot Air Balloon Race. 50 Balloons, Hare and Hound competition, prize money, lodging, parties, good times. Event is sponsor driven, and presented by the Rotary Club of Minden.Contact Gary Peterson 775-782-7987 or garyp@nanosecond.com
14-16 Quechee, Vermont
23rd annual Hot Air Balloon Festival and Craft Fair. 25 balloons, paying passengers, motel and propane. Paid Glow, beautiful flying area and good spectator attendence in unique setting, quality crafts, entertainment. contact Bill Whidden 407-870-0031, email at whid@gate.net, Internet: www.quechee.com
14-15 Milton, Delaware
13th Annual Delmarva Hot Air Balloon Festival and Craft Fair. For more information contact Karen Kelly, Milton Development Corp, email: mdc@snip.net
21-23 Grove City, Ohio
3rd Annual Big Bear Balloon Festival. 75+ Balloons, Sponsor Driven, Major Media Coverage, $10,000 Prize Money, Pilot/Crew Party, Passenger Rides, Pilot Gifts, 150,000+ attendees, Top-Notch Concert Line-up, Propane & Hotel provided. Contact Marie Policastro, 1140 Bloomfield Ave. #209, West Caldwell, NJ 07006, Phone: 973-882-9732, Email: mpolicastro@balloonfestival.com, Website: www.balloonfestival.com
21-23 Clinton, Iowa
Balloons in June, Balloon glows and mass ascensions, 25 balloons, Other community events. $200 showup. Contact Paul Schneider, 563-242-9174. Internet: www.geocities.com/balloonsinjune/
28-30 Boise, Idaho
12th annual Boise River Festival. Voted Best Event in 2000 by Balloon Life readers. Hot air balloons, family entertainment, parades. Contact Scott Spencer, 111 Broadway #133, Boise, ID 83702. 208-375-0512. email: tigerpilot@earthlink.net, Internet: www.shootout.com
29-30 Windsor, California
Sonoma County's 13th Annual Hot Air Balloon Classic. Fly the wine country,
30-40 balloons. Contact Sonoma County Hot Air Balloon Classic, PO Box 819,
Windsor, CA. or Kathy Coghlan email: kcoghlan@bollingercpa.com
July
3-5 Lexington, Virginia
6th annual 4th of July Balloon Festival, great southern hospitality, paid passengers, great flying area, corporates are welcome. Contact Bill Whidden 407-870-0031, email: whid@gate.net
5 Lancaster, Pennsylvania
First annual Penn Dutch/Lancaster Host Resort Great Balloon Fest. Morning and evening flights. Tether rides, classic car show, authentic Amish Craft Fair, plus other activies. Contact Kevin Bergman, Lancaster Host Resort, 2300 Lincoln Highway East, Lancaster, PA 17602. Phone: 717-299-5500, email: kevinb@fine-hotels.com
5-7 Montrose, Colorado
19th Annual Lighter-than-Air Balloon Affaire.40 balloons, Coincides with the Montrose Great American Summer Salute. For more information contact Ric Simon simonsez@ocinet.net, Internet: www.montroseevents.com or JoAnn Galbreath 970-252-3415, email galeandjo@att.net
11-14 Igualada, Spain
VI European Balloon Festival'02, Contact: Miquel Mesallera email: miquel@balotour.com
12-14 Longview, Texas
25th The Great Texas Balloon Race. 80 balloons. $28,000 prize money, plus key grab. Contact Elaine Reynolds, Longview Partnership, 410 N Center St., Longview, TX 75601, 903-237-4000.
13-14 Holly, Michigan
The Fox Seven Lakes State Park Balloon Classic , Holly Michigan, 30 balloons. 8th Annual fun family event, Contact: Craig & Michelle Elliott 248-634-9400, email: celliot152@home.com
18-20 Bowling Green, Kentucky
Firstar/US Bank Balloon Classic. 60 balloons, $17,500 prize money. NABA sanctioned. Non-corporate balloons must be capable and agree to carry an envelope banner for $100 compensation. No assigned Event required flight crew (passengers) during competitive flight. Contact David & Jana Eastland, 5160 Inman Branch Rd, Franklin, TN 37064, 615-799-2323, email: dcjle@bellsouth.net
19-21 Pittsburgh, Pennyslvania
The Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix & Hot Air Balloon Rally. This is the 20th year for the PVGP and the 3rd year for the balloon rally. All proceeds benefit the Autism Society of Pittsburgh and the Allegheny Valley School for mental retardation. This event is all volunteer staffed, and is nationally recognized for that. There will be 4 flights, tethers available, corporate balloons encouraged, prize money, propane, pilot rooms, pilot packs, Fly in the am and pm, watch the vintage race cars all day. Limited to 25 balloons. For more info contact: Mark MacSkimming, Old Farm Lane, Harrisburg, PA 17112. Phone: 717 545-1000, e-ddress: markmac130@aol.com
19-21 Wellsville, New York
27th Great Wellsville Balloon Rally. 40 balloons. Contact Bruce Hand 716-593-6257; email: bhand29238@aol.com. Internet: www.welsvilleballoonrally.com
19-21 Jackson, Michigan
20th Hot Air Jubilee. 50-60 balloons. $10,000 prizes. Contact Hot Air Jubilee, PO Box 1838, Jackson, MI 49204, 517-782-1515, Fax 517-782-5053, email: hotair.jubilee@acd.net, Internet: www.hotairjubilee.com
19-21 Angel Fire, New Mexico
Wings Over Angel Fire & Balloonfest. 40 balloons. Contact Sharon Floyd, Angel Fire Chamber of Commerce, PO Box 547, Angel Fire, NM 87710, or call 800-446-8117, fax (505) 377-3034.
19-21 Kingsport, Tennessee
Fun Fest Balloon Rally. 21st year, fun rally, with show-up fee, free propane, great Pilot Packs, host families/other lodging. 25 balloons, fireworks, concerts, jascott1@prodigy.net or www.funfest.net.
26-28 Readington, New Jersey
20th Annual Quick Check New Jersey Festival of Ballooning presented by GPU Energy. 125+ Balloons, Sponsor Driven, Major Media Coverage, $15,000 Prize Money, Pilot/Crew Party, Passenger Rides, Pilot Gifts, 185,000+ attendees, Top-Notch Concert Line-up, Propane & Hotel provided. Contact Marie Policastro, 1140 Bloomfield Ave. #209, West Caldwell, NJ 07006, Phone: 973-882-5464, Email: mpolicastro@balloonfestival.com, Website: www.balloonfestival.com
26-28 Canton, Ohio
17th annual Pro Football Hall of Fame Festival Balloon Classic 65 balloons, team competition, $13,000 prize money. Contact Lisa Smith, Pro Football Hall of Fame Festival, 222 Market Ave N, Canton, OH 44702, phone 330-458-2054, email: lisas@cantonchamber.org
26-28 Holly, Michigan
The Fox Seven Lakes State Park Balloon Classic , Holly Michigan, 30 balloons. 8th Annual fun family event, Contact: Craig & Michelle Elliott 248-634-9400, email: celliot152@home.com
August
1-5 London, Ontario
19th London Balloon Festival. 22 balloons. Fun flying, launch from downtown park, 115,000+ spectators. Contact Wayne Metler or Denise Kavelman, Phone 519-696-2088 FAX 519-696-2414, email: balloon_festival_london@hotmail.com
1-4 Billings, Montana
8th Annual Big Skyfest, 50 balloons, $20,000 prize money, BFA sanctioned, parties, banners, passengers, propane, $50 private entry, $800 corporate entry, contact Rob or Jetta Schantz, PO Box 51591, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32240-1591, or call 904-247-1241, fax 904-246-5646, email Balloonmeister@juno.com
2-4 Binghamton, New York
18th Annual Spiedie Fest & Balloon Expo. 40 balloons. Contact Dave Pessalro, PO Box 275 WVS, Binghamton, NY 13905, phone 607-761-2475, email: sags13@prodigy.net
2-4 Tulsa, Oklahoma
Gatesway Int'l Balloon Festival; Oklahoma Hot Air Balloon Champioship; 75 balloons, $5,000 prize money. Contact Phillip Thompson, 5123 W 85th St S, Tulsa, OK 74131, 918-227-1399, email: phillipt@flash.net
3-5 Bristow, Iowa
Dedication of historical monument to Ed Yost. Balloon rally honoring Ed Yost and Joe Kittinger. Celebrate ballooning, no entry fee, no prize money. Carry special balloon mail. For info 510-261-4222, balpub@vdn.com.
4-11 East Bohemia, Czech Republic
Balloon Show/Fiesta. 5th Balloon Cup of the Czech Republic Competition. Contact Ceska vzduchoplavebni spolecnost, V Hlinikach 1172, 537 01 Chrudim, Czech Republic. Tel 001 420 455 62 02 68 - 71, Fax 011 420 455 62 06 47, email: tvolejnikova@e-dnes.cz or svihlik@faster-cz.cz, Internet: www.balloon-show.eunet.cz/eng/index.html
9-11 Weymouth, Massachusetts
Inaugural Tedeschi Balloon Festival. 50+ Balloons, Sponsor Driven, Major Media Coverage from the Boston Market, $10,000 Prize Money, Pilot/Crew Party, Passenger Rides, Pilot Gifts, Top-Notch Concert Line-up, Propane & Hotel Provided. Contact Marie Policastro, 1140 Bloomfield Ave. #209, West Caldwell, NJ 07006, Phone: 973-882-5464, Email: mpolicastro@balloonfestival.com, Website: www.balloonfestival.com
9-11 Muncie, Indiana
Summer Heat Air Festival, 25-40 balloons. Contact Marisa Fuoti, 425 N High St, Muncie, IN 47305. 800-369-2740. email: summerheat@muncievisitorsbureau.org
10-18 St-Jean-Sur-Richelieu, Quebec
19th International Balloon Festival of Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu Hot Air Balloon Festival.125 montgolfières, 20 Special Shapes. Contact Daniel Bissonnette, 4 chemin de l'Aéroport, St. Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec, J3B 7B5 450-346-6000, fax 450-346-6148. email: mc@montgolfieres.com. Internet: www.ballooncanada.com
11 Dronten, Netherlands
20 balloons. Contact Stichting ProDronten, email: prodronten@solcon.nl, Internet: www.meerpaaldagen.nl
15-18 Albany, Oregon
Wah Chang Northwest Art & Air Festival. Contact Albany Visitors Association, PO Box 965, Albany, OR 97321. 1-800-526-2256, email: Jimmie Lucht jlucht@albanyvisitors.com or Nancy Hagood nhagood@albanyvisitors.com
16-18 Greenville, New York
4th Great Northern Catskills Balloon Festival presented by the Greenville Area Chamber of Commerce, held at Balsam Shade Resort, 25 hot air balloons, craft vendors, food vendors, live entertainment all weekend, kiddie rides, fireworks, Pentagon approved military air show. Fun for all ages all weekend. For more information contact the chamber at 518-966-5050, email: chamber@greenville-ny.com
16-18 Centralia, Illinois
13th Annual Centralia Balloon Fest 2002. 40 balloons, $15,000 prize money. Balloonmeister Bob Corey, Contact The Greater Centralia CoC, 130 S Locust St, Centralia, IL 62801, Ph 888-533-2600, email: gccoc@midwest.net
22-25 Cornwall, Ontario
Cornwall Lift-Off. 25 balloons, fun flying, free room ,free propane, parties, entertainment- contact Nicole Leger at nic.l@attcanada.net
23-25 Fayette, Alabama
ARC BalloonBast 2002, 30 balloons, $3,000 prize money, plus key grab. Contact Phillip Thompson, 5123 W 85th St S, Tulsa, OK 74131. Phone: 918-227-1399, email: phillipt@flash.net
23-25 Denver, Colorado
Rocky Mountain Balloon Festival, 60 balloons. Contact Terry Smith, 9871 S Deer Creek Rd, Littleton, CO 80127, 303-697-1039, email terry@rockymountainballoonfestival.com, Internet: www.rockymountainballoonfestival.com
23-25 Finlay, Ohio
3rd Annual Flag City Balloon Fest Invitational, 30 Balloons, NABA Competition, $5000+ prize money. Contact: Findlay-Hancock County Chamber of Commerce, Internet: www.flagcityballoonfest.com
23-25 Houston, Texas
Ballunar Liftoff Festival @ NASA/Johnson Space Center, 100 balloons.
Contact Steven Lombardi, 1201 NASA Rd 1, Houston, TX 77058. (713) 774-2359.
e-mail: TXHotAir@aol.com, Internet:
www.ballunarfestival.com
23-25 Tullamore, Ireland
Tullamore Phoenix Festival - Tullamore - County Offaly - Ireland. Hot Air Balloons - Dawn and Evening Flights. Other events include: Street Entertainment - Live Bands - Canal Barge Trips - Heritage Exhibitions - Sports Competitions - Art & Literature Exhibition - Pubs Extensions with live music. Contact: Loughnan Hooper Email: locky@phoenixfestival.ie, Web: www.phoenixfestival.ie, Phone +353 87 8241782
30-Sep 2 Coeur d'Alene, Idaho
2nd Annual Lake Coeur d'Alene BalloonFest. Night glows, live entertainment, vendors, and children's activities. Contact Kagey Company Inc., PO Box 321, Coeur d'Alene, ID 83816, 208-667-2314, email: info@fyinorthidaho.com, Internet: www.cdaballoonfest.com
30-Sep 2 Gatineau, Ontario
15th Gatineau hot air balloon festival. 150 balloons. Contact Anne Benoit, Coordonnatrice des montgolfières, 144 boulevard de l'hopital, Gatineau, Quebec, Canada, J8T-7S7, 819-243-2331 or fax 819-243-2338, benoit.anne@ville.gatineau.qc.ca, www.ville.gatineau.qc.ca
31-Sep 2 Colorado Springs, Colorado
26th Annual Colorado Springs Balloon Classic with 120 balloons in Memorial Park, downtown Colorado Springs. 250,000+ spectators. Contact Colorado Springs Balloon Classic, 328 Bonfoy Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80909. 719-471-4833, email: balloonclassic@balloonclassic.com
September
6-8 Reno, Nevada
21st Annual Great Reno Balloon Race. 120 balloons, $20,000 prize money. Contact GRBR, PO Box 12695, Reno, NV 89510, 775-826-1181. www.renoballoon.com
12-15 Franklin, Tennessee
Hot Air Affair Benefiting Vanderbilt Bill Wilkerson Center. 35 balloons, $12,000 prize money, NABA Sanctioned Tasks. Four scheduled competitive flights and one evening "glow/show". Non-corporate balloons must be capable and agree to carry an envelope banner for $100 compensation. No assigned or event required flight crew (passengers) during competitive flights. Contact: David & Jana Eastland, 5160 Inman Branch Rd., Franklin, TN 37064, 615 799-2323. Email: dcjle@bellsouth.net
13-15 Hazleton, Pennsylvania
3rd Annual Harvest Moon Balloon Festival. Scenic flying in central eastern PA, paid passengers, nice pilot packs, great host, corporates welcome, all amenities. Contact Bill Whidden, email: whid@gate.net, phone: 407-870-0031.
19-22 Montague, California
Montague Rotary Balloon Fair, 35+ balloons with special shapes. Fly with 14,161 ft. Mt. Shasta as a back-drop. Fun competitions and prizes, antique steam train rides, flying demonstrations, artisan show and sale, balloonist's parade, barbeque, night glow and more. Contact: Rotary Club of Montague, PO Box 618, Montague, CA 96064, phone 530-459-5404, email: info@montague-balloon-fair.com, Internet: www.montague-balloon-fair.com
19-22 Set.Albquerque, Spain
VII Festival Internacional Globos, Contact: Miquel Mesallera email: miquel@balotour.com
20-22 Las Vegas, Nevada
4th Annual Las Vegas Hot Air Balloon Festival to benefit "Deaf Kids' Kamp" (501c3 non-profit). 50 balloons, first come, first served. Contact Hugh Ehrlich, PO Box 97, Las Vegas, NV 89125. phone: 702-247-6905, or email: smilerides@aol.com
27-28 Louisville, Kentucky
4th Annual Adam Matthews Balloon Festival held at Bowman Field, Featuring live TV coverage with over $20,000 in prize money this years event is limited to 100 balloons. Held at historic Bowman Field this open venue includes propane, hotel room, catered awards dinner, great prizes even for the crew, crew services and entertainment. Adam Matthews Balloon Festival, 2104 Plantside Drive Louisville KY 40299-1924, 502-499-1244, Internet: www.balloonglow.com, email: adam@adammatthews.com
27-29 Augusta, Georgia
11th Annual Boshears Skyfest 2002. 30+ balloons. Blue Angels. Pilot rooms, propane, showup money. Contact Kathy Iwert, 695 Kimball Pond Rd, Akien, SC 29803, 803-649-6685, email: jiwert@mindspring.com
27-29 Prosser, Washington
13th Annual Great Prosser Balloon Rally in Prosser, Washington. Contact Ron Perkins 509-786-1711, email: perkins@quicktel.com, or Prosser Chamber of Commerce 800-408-1517.
October
5-13 Albuquerque, New Mexico
31st Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. 750 balloons. Contact AIBF, 4401 Alameda Blvd. N.E., Albuquerque, NM 87113, (505) 821-1000. Internet: www.aibf.org
13-19 Pendleton, Oregon
Wildhorse Women's Shootout - Balloon Championship. 50 women pilots, 7 days, $20,000 in cash prizes. Held at the Wildhorse Resort & Casino. Visit www.balloonshootout.com for complete details and registration.
17-20 & 24-27 Hershey, Pennsylvania
Hershey Park Balloonfest. 20 different balloons each weekend. 80,000 spectators each weekend. Held at amusement park, lots of fun for everyone. Corp Balloons welcome. Contact Dave Robinson, 2291 Manor Rd, York, PA 17404, 717-767-7744, email: drobinson@applesys.com
25-31 Mallorca, Spain
X Regata Internacional de Mallorca, Contact: Miquel Mesallera email: miquel@balotour.com
November
1-3 Scottsdale, Arizona
28th Annual Thunderbird Balloon Classic. 150 balloons, including Special shapes. Glows. Food, arts & crafts, children's area, skyjumpers, music, fireworks, entertainment. Contact Thunderbird Balloon Classic Office, 15249 N. 59th Ave., Glendale, AZ 85306 602-978-7330. Internet: www.t-birdballoonclassic.com/
28-Dec 1 Montrose, Colorado
10th Black Canyon Balloon Classic, 40 balloons. For more information contact Ric Simon simonsez@ocinet.net, Internet: www.montroseevents.com, phone Montrose Events, Inc. 970-249-0102.
December
6-8 Gallup, New Mexico
22nd Annual Red Rock Balloon Rally. 200+ balloons. Contact Red Rock Balloon Rally Association, PO Box 2621, Gallup, NM 87305. Internet: www.redrockballoonrally.com